In conversation with Aleksandr Tsukanov. A photographer based in Spain and working across Europe.

What do you photograph?

I photograph weddings, private events and portraits.

At first glance, these may seem like different areas, but for me they are connected by one thing: there is always a person at the centre. I am interested in capturing not just a beautiful image, but people’s character and relationships, the atmosphere of a place, and everything that shapes a particular day.

I feel equally connected to a large wedding, an intimate dinner and a personal portrait session, as long as the project has an idea and genuine substance.

What is your photography about?

It is about people and who they were at a particular moment in their lives.

Emotions, movement, light, details and the surrounding space are all important to me. I love precise, carefully composed portraits, but I do not want an entire event to turn into one large production.

For me, a good photograph is aesthetically strong without losing its sense of life.

How would you describe your style?

It is a combination of reportage and an editorial perspective.

During the same event, I may barely interfere with what is happening and then carefully construct a frame by working with the light and composition and guiding the person in front of the camera. I like the contrast between a carefully composed portrait and a spontaneous moment that can never be repeated.

I do not try to fit every project into the same preset or make every event look alike. It is important to me to preserve the character of the particular people and place.

Do you need to know how to pose?

No. Most of the people I photograph are not professional models.

My job is not to expect the right movements from someone, but to create an environment in which they feel comfortable. Sometimes I guide them calmly, sometimes I give them a simple action, and sometimes I simply observe without changing anything.

I want people to recognise themselves in the photographs, only seen with greater attention and in a more beautiful way.

What is important to you when working with people?

Simple, genuine human interaction.

I do not believe in treating people differently based on the status of a project, their level of recognition or the cost of an event. The scale may affect the size of the team and the complexity of the preparation, but it does not change my attitude towards the work.

It is important to me to be polite, direct and attentive, without unnecessary pretence. I do not build an image of myself as a photographer that does not reflect who I am in real life.

What does a client receive besides the photographs?

Peace of mind and the understanding that a professional is responsible for the result.

I discuss the details in advance, document our agreements, arrive prepared and meet the agreed deadlines. For larger projects, I work with a trusted team.

At an event, it is important to me not only to create strong photographs, but also to avoid creating additional stress for the couple, their guests or the planner.

A client should not have to manage the photographer on the day of the event. That is my responsibility.

Why does travel play such an important role in your life?

Because I am genuinely interested in seeing how differently life can be lived.

My wife and I have visited more than thirty countries, from Europe and the United States to Australia. I have worked and travelled extensively throughout Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Spain and other countries.

These journeys have influenced more than just my photography. They have taught me to adapt quickly, communicate with different people and work calmly in unfamiliar environments.

That is probably why I feel particularly connected to international weddings and events where different families, cultures and traditions come together.

How did you become a photographer?

I started taking photographs in 2020, when I lost my job and the lockdown began.

Before that, I played football professionally for more than ten years and earned a university degree in programming. This may seem far removed from a creative profession, but it was sport that shaped my attitude towards work: discipline, endurance and the habit of taking responsibility for the result.

My journey began in St Petersburg. Later, I photographed in Moscow, worked at fashion weeks in Paris, Milan and London, photographed events in different countries and eventually moved to Madrid.

However, I do not want to turn this page into a list of cities and achievements. What matters more to me is that every new experience has gradually shaped the way I see things today.

What kind of projects are you working towards now?

I want to create more international projects across Europe and around the world.

I am interested in weddings, private events and portrait sessions that have character, attention to detail and trust between people. They do not necessarily have to be the largest or most high-profile projects.

I want to work with couples, private clients and planners who value a strong visual approach but do not forget why people come together in the first place.

What kind of person do you want to remain in this profession?

Someone who does not have to play a role for the sake of their own image.

I understand the importance of social media, positioning and a professional image. But it is important to me that real work remains behind all of that: responsibility, development, respect for people and an honest attitude towards the result.

The photographs may look effortless. The work behind them rarely is.

How can we discuss a shoot?

Tell me about the event, yourself, the location and what truly matters to you.

If our perspectives align, we will work together to understand what the result should be.

Spain · Europe · USA · Worldwide